Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT)

Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) is the energy burned through everyday movement outside exercise.^{1International Personal Trainer Academy, Certified Personal Trainer Textbook, p. 468.} It’s part of total daily energy expenditure, alongside basal metabolic rate, exercise and the thermic effect of food.^{2Norton and Baxter, The Complete Reverse Dieting Guide, p. 14.} NEAT is the most adaptable component: it tends to rise in a calorie surplus and fall in a calorie deficit, often without the client noticing.^{2Norton and Baxter, The Complete Reverse Dieting Guide, p. 14.} Several studies recorded reductions of up to about 500 kcal a day during calorie restriction.^{3Norton and Baxter, The Complete Reverse Dieting Guide, p. 19.}

Where sources differ

Norton and Baxter reserve NEAT for unconscious movement, such as fidgeting and typing.^{2Norton and Baxter, The Complete Reverse Dieting Guide, p. 14.},^{4Norton and Baxter, The Complete Reverse Dieting Guide, p. 15.} They call deliberate non-exercise movement, such as walking and standing, non-exercise physical activity (NEPA), while noting that the terms are often used interchangeably.^{2Norton and Baxter, The Complete Reverse Dieting Guide, p. 14.},^{4Norton and Baxter, The Complete Reverse Dieting Guide, p. 15.} Other textbooks count all non-exercise movement as NEAT.^{1International Personal Trainer Academy, Certified Personal Trainer Textbook, p. 468.}

In practice

Adding movement during the day, without extra exercise sessions, can help a client reach a calorie deficit.^{1International Personal Trainer Academy, Certified Personal Trainer Textbook, p. 468.}